B.E.A.R. Bags-A literacy project funded by the “Pay It Forward Grant” from The Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Youngstown State University
Dear Parents,
It’s time to introduce the take home literacy bags we have to share with you. These bags-called B.E.A.R. (Being
Excited About Reading) bags-are take home books and activities in a themed tote bag. The purpose of the B.E.A.R. bags is to encourage a love for reading.
The B.E.A.R. bags literacy project is funded by the “Pay It Forward Grant” from the Center of Nonprofit
Leadership at Youngstown State University. The grant award was $4,500.00. All of the money was used to make 76 bags. Each themed bag contains three to five fiction and/or nonfiction books and a journal. Some of the B.E.A.R. bags contain an educational game or activity.
Each week your second grader will have the choice to take home a B.E.A.R. bag. The children will not be required to take a bag home every week. If a bag does spark their attention, it will be sent home on Thursday and returned the next Tuesday. If a bag is not returned or an item is damaged or missing, the child will not be able to take another bag home until the problem is resolved.
Please keep in mind, this is a project we hope to use for many years to come. We are asking families that choose to take part in this literacy project to replace any missing or severely damaged books or activities that occur while the bag is in your care. The replacement cost ranges from $2.00 to $25.00.
Also, students that do not have a parent permission slip (bottom of this page) will NOT be able to take part in the literacy project. If you have any questions, concerns or comments about B.E.A.R. bags please feel free to contact Mrs. Schadl at 330-530-8051 or natalie.schadl@neomin.org
. Please see and keep the attached sheet for rules and reminders about the B.E.A.R. bags!
Please read carefully, fill-out and return to school on Monday, November 5, 2012
I understand and agree that:
 My child must have parental permission to participate in the B.E.A.R bag literacy program.
 My child will return bags on Tuesday.
 I will replace any missing or damaged item (damage will be determined by the teacher) with a replacement cost ranging from $2.00 to $25.00 depending on the item.
Please check one:

I give my child,_______________________ ,permission to participate in this family literacy project.

I DO NOT give my child,____________________________, permission to participate in this family literacy project.
Parent’s Signature X_________________________________________________________

B.E.A.R. Bags-A literacy project funded by the “Pay It Forward Grant” from The Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Youngstown State University
B.E.A.R. Bag Rules
1. The purpose of this family literacy project is to encourage families to engage in literacy together. You might not have time for every book or activity. That is okay! We hope your family will enjoy reading, playing and spending time together. The most important thing is that you are showing your child that reading is valuable and worth making time for-and that is something your child will keep with him/her for a lifetime. 
2. You are responsible for the B.E.A.R. bag you choose. Do not eat or drink around it. Do not leave it on the bus, at someone’s house or let anyone borrow it. This bag is the property of Roosevelt and you are responsible for it while it is in your care.
3. Return the B.E.A.R. bag on Tuesday! We know sometimes you might forget and that’s okay-you will get a reminder note to help you remember the bag or a forgotten item. You will not be able to get a bag until the items are returned. Repeated reminders will mean you will not be allowed to borrow a bag for a few weeks.
4. If you lose or damage an item, please be honest about it! You will not be in
trouble. You will be allowed to get another bag as soon as the item is paid for or replaced.
5. Please take time to write in the journal that comes with the B.E.A.R. bag. This is not mandatory; however, it is important that we learn to be reflective readers who think about and evaluate what we are reading. Keep in mind, it is so much fun to get a bag and read about what other people did with it.  (Honesty is important, but please do not write negative comments. If there is a problem with a bag, please contact Mrs. Schadl at 330-
530-8051 or natalie.schadl@neomin.org
. Thank you!)
6. This is a new endeavor! The goal is to have a high quality educational game or activity in each bag. If you would like to make or buy a quality educational game or activity related to the theme of a bag, please feel free to do so. Your help is greatly appreciated. 